China bound. Governor Jerry Brown hopes his trip to China will yield California a bigger share of that country’s burgeoning foreign investment. Brown leaves today on his most high-profile overseas jaunt since retaking the governor’s office two years ago. Aides say Brown plans to sign deals establishing government research partnerships and will push California’s clean-technology sector. But a main goal will be attracting more Chinese money to the Golden State. One such investment opportunity: California’s bullet train. L.A. Times
Big money. You’re going to have more chances to win big jackpots at the lottery counter starting today. It’ll cost you twice as much, but chances are PowerBall payouts will be much bigger. Lottery officials are using the advertising slogan “Believe in Something Bigger” in hopes of getting you to the convenience store to buy a PowerBall ticket. Or two. Or four. Forty-two states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands are part of PowerBall. L.A. Daily News
Baby food trial. A trial starting in San Francisco today will determine whether makers of baby food have to post warning labels on their products in California. A lawsuit filed by environmental groups says the products contain low amounts of lead must be labeled under Proposition 65, a 1986 ballot measure. The baby food companies – including Gerber, Del Monte and Beech-Nut – say the lead levels are below standards that require a warning. The Food and Drug Administration agrees with the companies. AP
Murder mystery. Final arguments are scheduled today in the murder trial of a German native who posed for years as a member of the Rockefeller family. Christian Gerhartstreiter is accused of killing his landlord – John Sohus – more than a quarter century ago and burying him in the backyard of a San Marino House. Sohus’ wife, Linda, disappeared at the same time. No trace of her has ever been found. Gerhartstretier was arrested in Maryland in 2008 and convicted of abducting his daughter. An L.A. County grand jury later indicted him for John Sohus’ murder. Pasadena Star News
Clippers rise. The Los Angeles Clippers did something they’ve never done before: They won the NBA’s Pacific Division title. The team’s clinching victory yesterday came against the Lakers and completed a 4-0 season sweep of their Staples Center rivals. The Clippers now try to secure the best possible playoff seed, while the Lakers continue their struggle to qualify for the post-season. With five games left, the Lakers are a half-game behind the Utah Jazz in the battle for eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. L.A. Times